Where ESPN's Mel Kiper has Vols WR Jalin Hyatt ranked on his 2023 NFL Draft 'big board'
Tennessee Vols junior wide receiver Jalin Hyatt hasn't made a decision yet regarding the 2023 NFL Draft. Hyatt has two years of eligibility remaining at Tennessee, but after a breakout 2022 season, he could be among the top players selected in the draft next spring. The South Carolina native said last week after winning the Biletnikoff […]
Tennessee Vols junior wide receiver Jalin Hyatt hasn't made a decision yet regarding the 2023 NFL Draft.
Hyatt has two years of eligibility remaining at Tennessee, but after a breakout 2022 season, he could be among the top players selected in the draft next spring.
The South Carolina native said last week after winning the Biletnikoff Award that he's "50/50" on returning to the Vols next season.
The biggest factor that will go into Hyatt's decision is his draft stock and where scouts believe he'll be drafted.
For now, ESPN's Mel Kiper has Hyatt ranked as his No. 6 wide receiver in the 2023 NFL Draft.
(Kiper has Vols wide receiver Cedric Tillman, who declared for the draft on Monday, ranked No. 8 on his big board.)
Here are the five wide receivers that Kiper has ranked ahead of Hyatt:
1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba — Ohio State
2. Quentin Johnston — TCU
3. Jordan Addison — USC
4. Zay Flowers — Boston College
5. Josh Downs — North Carolina
Every NFL draft obviously plays out differently, but last year, the sixth wide receiver selected was Treylon Burks by the Tennessee Titans at No. 18 overall.
In the 2021 NFL Draft, the sixth wide receiver taken was Elijah Moore by the New York Jets with the No. 34 overall pick (second round).
Based on the last two drafts, it seems like Hyatt will be at least a top-40 pick if he declares.
It's hard to imagine him passing that up and returning to Tennessee for another season. And I don't think anyone will blame him for declaring and pursuing his NFL dreams.
Featured image via Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
